RSPCA takes most post-pandemic abandonment reports
The RSPCA took reports about 22,503 animal abandonment incidents last year – more than in any year since the beginning of the pandemic.
With many of its animal centres full to bursting, the RSPCA is currently funding the care of 1,220 animals in private boarding as they wait for a space in the organisation’s own rescue facilities.
Dr Samantha Gaines, RSPCA’s Head of Companion Animals, said: “The boredom of lockdown, and many people’s drastically, but temporarily, changed lifestyles, including increased loneliness, may have led many towards impulse pet purchases – and we know it was ‘boom time’ for many breeders and pet sellers.
“Sadly, as the reality of the less glamorous side of pet ownership emerges – veterinary bills, behavioural challenges, juggling petcare with a reduction in home-working – some owners are no longer able or willing to care for their pet; and may even turn to extreme measures, like abandonment.
“Five years on from that first lockdown announcement, the impact for animals is still being felt on a huge scale.”
She added: “For pets, and especially young pups, socialisation and structured training are critical in the early months of their life. But during pandemic restrictions, this just wasn’t possible – and we are still seeing the behavioural challenges this caused many dogs – and the pressures and enormous challenges posed for many owners as a consequence.”
In addition, the pandemic is widely linked to the subsequent cost-of-living crisis, which continues to place added pressure on many pet owners.
The RSPCA’s Animal Kindness Index reveals 36% of pet owners have changed their behaviour because of financial pressures in the past year, while 15% of owners regretted owning a pet altogether in 2024. An overwhelming majority of pet owners (78%) also said it’s become more expensive to look after their pet in the past year.
Dr Gaines said: “Sadly, the crisis has been one of the most challenging events for companion animal welfare in recent times.
“At the RSPCA, we’ve launched a dedicated cost-of-living hub and our Pet Food Bank scheme has gone from strength to strength, but it’s still a really tough time out there for many pet owners.”
